The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, met the President of Iran, Dr Hassan Rouhani, in the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos today.

The talks, to which the President was accompanied by EU High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton, were held in an open and constructive atmosphere.

President Barroso welcomed the interim agreement reached in November 2013 on the Joint Plan of Action and the start of its implementation on 20 January.

Iran should use this window of opportunity with determination to move to a comprehensive long-term solution on the nuclear issue. This would open up the potential for an improved relationship and broader cooperation.